Boxes are predominantly utilitarian objects made for storage. However, they evolved from this simplistic usage to a lot of other purposes. Antique wooden boxes, apart from being utilitarian in nature, are also sought-after vintage collectibles due to their intricate decoration and overall aesthetics.

These boxes were used to store various things right from precious trinkets, jewelry to regular objects of daily use like tobacco, cigarettes, religious objects, playing cards, stationery, medicines, and lots more. They were also given away as part of the dowry to a bride to store the bridal trousseau. Most of these handmade jewelry boxes were as ornamental and precious as some of the items they held. The boxes were made of wood or metals like copper, silver, brass, and iron. In Myanmar, boxes were even made of bamboo and lacquer. Antique jewelry boxes either had intricate carvings, detailed paintings, or even inlay work with precious metals, ivory, mother of pearl, and rare gems. Silver boxes due to their worth had a natural status attached to them and were owned only by the wealthy.

In India, there are a vast variety of antique boxes originating from different regions. Vibhuti boxes from Karnataka were used to hold the sacred ash while the intricately carved Nettur Petti from Kerala were used to store jewelry and trinkets. In Rajasthan, ornamental trunks were given as dowry to store bridal trousseau. Beautifully carved opium boxes and gunpowder boxes from Rajasthan were used to store opium and gunpowder respectively. There were even boxes used to store betel leaf and nuts or rolled pan.

Large antique wooden boxes can be used as side or coffee tables in your interior design while the smaller antique boxes add glamour to your showcases and display units. Browse The Antique Story to find an exclusive selection of antique collectibles.